System and method for an interactive digitally rendered avatar of a subject person

ABSTRACT

A system and method for an interactive digitally rendered avatar of a subject person during a video presentation is described. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting a video presentation featuring a subject person to a plurality of users via a first communication format. The method also includes receiving from at least one user of the plurality of users during the video presentation, a request to initiate an interactive session with an avatar of the subject person. In response to the request, the method includes generating a first avatar of the subject person and initiating a first interactive session between the first avatar and the at least one user. The method further includes engaging in the first interactive session between the first avatar of the subject person and the at least one user via a second communication format that is different than the first communication format.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims benefit to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/094,146, filed on Nov. 10, 2020 and titled“System and Method for an Interactive Digitally Rendered Avatar of aSubject Person”, the disclosure of which application is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to using an artificialintelligence system to digitally render an avatar of a subject person,and in particular, to using a digitally rendered avatar of a subjectperson to interact with one or more users.

Technology and social media has greatly expanded the ability of peopleto engage and interact with other people from all over the world throughtext, audio, and video. However, this expanded audience also causesissues with being able to engage in one-on-one conversations orinteractions with people who are particularly popular. For example,celebrities and other notable persons (such as politicians, athletes,etc.) may have many millions of followers. It is not practical orfeasible in these cases for the celebrity or notable person to be ableto interact with so many people on an individualized basis.

There is a need in the art for a system and method that providesincreased access that allows for more individual interactions betweenpeople.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system and method for providing an interactive digitally renderedavatar of a subject person is described herein.

In one aspect, a method of providing an interactive digital avatar of asubject person during a video presentation is provided. The methodincludes transmitting a video presentation featuring a subject person toa plurality of users via a first communication format. The method alsoincludes receiving from at least one user of the plurality of usersduring the video presentation, a request to initiate an interactivesession with an avatar of the subject person. In response to therequest, the method includes generating a first avatar of the subjectperson and initiating a first interactive session between the firstavatar and the at least one user. The method further includes engagingin the first interactive session between the first avatar of the subjectperson and the at least one user via a second communication format thatis different than the first communication format.

In another aspect, a system for providing an interactive digital avatarof a subject person during a video presentation is provided. The systemincludes a communication interface allowing communication with one ormore users of a plurality of users. The system also includes anartificial intelligence engine in communication with the communicationinterface. The artificial intelligence engine including at least oneprocessor, a memory, and storage for computer-readable instructionsthat, when executed by the at least one processer, cause the at leastone processor to transmit, via the communication interface, a videopresentation featuring a subject person to the plurality of users via afirst communication format. The instructions also cause the processor toreceive from at least one user of the plurality of users during thevideo presentation, a request to initiate an interactive session with anavatar of the subject person. In response to the request, theinstructions cause the processor to generate a first avatar of thesubject person and initiate a first interactive session between thefirst avatar and the at least one user. The instructions also cause theprocessor to engage in the first interactive session between the firstavatar of the subject person and the at least one user via a secondcommunication format that is different than the first communicationformat.

In another aspect, a method of providing an interactive digital avatarof a subject person is provided. The method includes transmitting avideo featuring a subject person to a plurality of users via a firstcommunication format. The method also includes receiving, from at leastone user of the plurality of users, a request to initiate an interactivesession with an avatar of the subject person. The method furtherincludes engaging in the interactive session between the avatar of thesubject person and the at least one user via a second communicationformat that is different than the first communication format.

In another aspect, a system for providing an interactive digital avatarof a subject person is provided. The system includes a communicationinterface allowing communication with one or more users of a pluralityof users. The system also includes an artificial intelligence engine incommunication with the communication interface, the artificialintelligence engine including at least one processor, a memory, andstorage for computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the atleast one processer, cause the at least one processor to: transmit, viathe communication interface, a video featuring a subject person to theplurality of users via a first communication format; receive, from atleast one user of the plurality of users, a request to initiate aninteractive session with an avatar of the subject person; and engage inthe interactive session between the avatar of the subject person and theat least one user via a second communication format that is differentthan the first communication format.

In still another aspect, a method of providing an interactive digitalavatar of a subject person is provided. The method includes transmittinga video featuring at least one subject person to a plurality of users.The method also includes receiving, from a first user of the pluralityof users, a request to initiate a first interactive session with a firstavatar of a first subject person featured in the video. The methodfurther includes engaging in the first interactive session between thefirst avatar of the first subject person and the first user. The methodalso includes receiving, from a second user of the plurality of users, arequest to initiate a second interactive session with a second avatar ofa second subject person featured in the video. The method includesengaging in the second interactive session between the second avatar ofthe second subject person and the second user. At least a portion of thefirst interactive session and the second interactive session occurconcurrently.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a system for aninteractive digitally rendered avatar of a subject person;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an example embodiment of an avatardatabase;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of an example embodiment of a user database;

FIG. 4 is a representative view of an example embodiment of an avatarinterface;

FIG. 5 is a representative view of an example embodiment of a userinterface;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example embodiment of a method for providingan interactive digitally rendered avatar of a subject person;

FIG. 7 is a representative view of an example embodiment of usersengaging with an interactive digitally rendered avatar of a subjectperson;

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of an example embodiment of an interactionbetween a user and an interactive digitally rendered avatar of a subjectperson;

FIG. 9 is a representative view of an example embodiment of multipleusers interacting with multiple interactive digitally rendered avatarsof a subject person;

FIG. 10 is a representative view of an example embodiment of a userinteracting with an interactive digitally rendered avatar of a subjectperson during a video;

FIG. 11 is a representative view of an example embodiment of usersinteracting with multiple interactive digitally rendered avatars ofdifferent subject people during a video;

FIG. 12 is a representative view of an alternate embodiment of a subjectperson providing a group presentation to a plurality of users;

FIG. 13 is a representative view of an alternate embodiment of providingan interactive digitally rendered avatar of a subject person to a userfor a group presentation; and

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of an alternate embodiment of an interactionbetween a user and an interactive digitally rendered avatar of a subjectperson for a group presentation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the techniques described herein, a system and method for aninteractive digitally rendered avatar of a subject person is provided.The example embodiments allow one or more users to virtually interactwith the digitally rendered avatar of the subject person in a way thatmimics or emulates the speech, mannerisms, and inflections of thesubject person.

The example embodiments described herein make use of methods and systemsemploying artificial intelligence (AI). As used herein, “artificialintelligence” may include any known methods or techniques in machinelearning and related fields. As examples, artificial intelligence mayinclude systems and methods used in natural language processing (NLP)and similar fields.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a system 100 forproviding an interactive digitally rendered avatar of a subject person.In some embodiments, components of system 100 may be implemented inhardware, software, and/or a combination of hardware and software toexecute the functions and operations described herein to provide aninteractive digitally rendered avatar. As will be described in moredetail below, system 100 uses an artificial intelligence (AI) engine 102to process and analyze a plurality of data associated with one or moresubject persons and uses the data to render and generate an interactiveavatar of the subject person that is configured to mimic or emulate thespeech, mannerisms, and inflections of the subject person.

In an example embodiment, AI engine 102 may include at least onecomputer system having a processor configured to execute programs toimplement the techniques described herein. The term “computer system”refers to the computing resources of a single computer, the partialcomputing resources of a single computer, a plurality of computerscommunicating with one another, a network of remote servers, or othercomputing devices having at least one processor. In one embodiment, thecomputer system implementing AI engine 102 includes at least oneprocessor, for example, a processor 104, configured to implement thefunctions of the interactive digitally rendered avatar system (e.g.,system 100) described herein.

AI engine 102 may also include persistent storage 106 and a memory 108.In an example embodiment, storage 106 and memory 108 are computerreadable storage media. For example, persistent storage 106 may be amagnetic hard disk drive, a solid state hard drive, a semiconductorstorage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other computer readable storagemedia that is capable of storing program instructions or digitalinformation. In some embodiments, the media used by storage 106 may alsobe removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used forstorage 106. Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumbdrives, and smart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer ontoanother computer readable storage medium that is also part of storage106.

Memory 108 may include random access memory (RAM) and/or cache memory.In general, memory 108 can include any suitable volatile or non-volatilecomputer readable storage media. Instructions for executing operationsof AI engine 102 may be stored in storage 106 and/or memory 108 forexecution by processor(s) 104.

One or more programs may be stored in storage 106 for execution by oneor more of the respective computer processors 104 via one or morememories of memory 108. For example, the one or more programs mayinclude software instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors 104, cause AI engine 102 to perform the operations of theinteractive digitally rendered avatar system (e.g., system 100)described herein and shown in connection with the accompanying Figures.

Aspects of the example embodiments are described herein with referenceto flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments.It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrationsand/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computerreadable program instructions.

In addition, AI engine 102 may include additional computing systemcomponents, such as a bus to provide communication between processor(s)104, storage 106, and memory 108, as well as other components of system100, such as a communication interface 110, a computer graphicsinterface (CGI) rendering module 112, an avatar interface 114, one ormore databases (including an avatar database 116 and a user database118), as well as various input/output (I/O) interface(s) that facilitatecommunication between the various components of system 100.

Communication interface 110 provides for communications with other dataprocessing systems or devices over a communication network. In anexample embodiment, communication interface 110 may include one or morenetwork interface cards. Communication interface 110 may providecommunications through the use of either or both physical and wirelesscommunications links. In an example embodiment, communication interface110 may be configured to communicate using multiple types or formats ofcommunication, including, but not limited to broadcast, multicast orother one-to-many communication sessions with a plurality of users, aswell as one or more one-on-one communication sessions with individualusers, such as two-way communication sessions that include transmittingand/or receiving video, audio, and/or text.

The communication network may be implemented by any number of any typeof communications network (e.g., LAN, WAN, Internet, Intranet, VPN,etc.). The computer or other processing systems of the exampleembodiments may include any conventional or other communications devicesto communicate over the network via any conventional or other protocols.The computer or other processing systems may utilize any type ofconnection (e.g., wired, wireless, etc.) for access to the network.Local communication media may be implemented by any suitablecommunication media (e.g., local area network (LAN), hardwire, wirelesslink, Intranet, etc.).

In an example embodiment, system 100 includes computer graphicsinterface (CGI) rendering module 112. CGI rendering module 112 isconfigured to generate a digital representation of a subject person,including at least a face/head or a partial or full body of the subjectperson. In an example embodiment, the interactive digital avatar of thesubject person rendered and generated by CGI rendering module 112 may beoutput for display through avatar interface 114 to interact with one ormore users, as will be described in more detail below.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, AI engine 102 may be in communication withone or more databases, avatar database 116 and/or user database 118.Databases 116, 118 could be co-located with AI engine 102 or could beremote databases that are accessible by AI engine 102 over acommunication network. Databases 116, 118 can include any kind ofstorage devices, including but not limited magnetic, optical,magneto-optical, and/or memory, including volatile memory andnon-volatile memory.

In one embodiment, avatar database 116 may include one or more datacollections containing information associated with each subject personand their associated avatar that may be digitally rendered using system100, as will be described in detail below in reference to FIG. 2. Userdatabase 118 may include data or information associated with one or moreusers of system 100, as will be described in detail below in referenceto FIG. 3.

In some embodiments, CGI rendering module 112 may receive information ordata about the subject person from AI engine 102, including informationor data about the subject person stored in avatar database 116, thatallows CGI rendering module 112 to digitally render and generate aninteractive avatar of the subject person that physically resembles thesubject person and that is configured to mimic or emulate the speech,mannerisms, and inflections of the subject person.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a detailed view of an example embodiment ofavatar database 116 is shown. In some embodiments, avatar database 116may include one or more data collections comprising data or informationassociated with a subject person that allows AI engine 102 to generatean interactive digital avatar of the subject person. In an exampleembodiment, avatar database 116 may include a plurality of datacollections 200 for one or more avatars of a subject person or subjectpersons. As shown in FIG. 2, plurality of data collections 200 includesdata collections associated with each of a first avatar 202, a secondavatar 204, and a third avatar 206. It should be understood that datacollections for three avatars (202, 204, 206) are shown in FIG. 2 forpurposes of illustration and avatar database 116 may include datacollections for any number of avatars.

In some embodiments, a data collection and/or training process may beexecuted by AI engine 102 of system 100 to obtain, sort, analyze, andprocess the various data forming plurality of data collections 200 thatis stored in avatar database 116 associated with each avatar.Additionally, AI engine 102 may also execute one or more trainingsessions using CGI rendering module 112 to generate a digitalrepresentation of the subject person for each subject person's avatar.These training sessions may be used to refine the interactive avatar ofthe subject person to accurately mimic or emulate the speech,mannerisms, and inflections of the subject person. In some embodiments,these training processes or sessions may be implemented usingmachine-learning techniques.

In some cases, plurality of data collections 200 may be associated withavatars of different subject persons. For example, a first datacollection 208 for first avatar 202 may be associated with a firstsubject person, a second data collection 218 for second avatar 204 maybe associated with a second subject person that is different from thefirst subject person, and a third data collection 220 for third avatar206 may be associated with a third subject person that is different fromboth the second subject person and the first subject person.

Additionally or alternatively, plurality of data collections 200 mayalso be associated with avatars of the same subject person at differentages or age ranges. For example, first data collection 208 for firstavatar 202 may be associated with a first subject person at a first age(or first age range) and second data collection 218 for second avatar204 may be associated with the same first subject person at a second age(or second age range) that is different than the first age (e.g., at anolder or younger age or age range).

By storing different data collections for avatars of the same subjectperson at different ages or ages ranges, the subject person may have aninteractive digital avatar that mimics or emulates the speech,mannerisms, and inflections of the subject person at a first age andanother interactive digital avatar that mimics or emulates the speech,mannerisms, and inflections of the subject person at a second age thatis older or younger than the first age. With this arrangement,interactive digital avatars of the same subject person at different agescan accurately represent the physical appearance and speech, mannerisms,and inflections of the subject person at different time periods in thesubject person's life.

In this embodiment, a representative data collection, for example, firstdata collection 208 for first avatar 202 is shown in detail. In anexample embodiment, each data collection of plurality of datacollections 200 may include various types and formats of data orinformation associated with a subject person. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, first data collection 208 may include audio data 210, video data212, image data 214, and/or text data 216 associated with a subjectperson.

Audio data 210 can include one or more voice files or recordings of thesubject person speaking or reading so that AI engine 102 may use audiodata 210 to accurately mimic the speech, voice inflections, and mannerof speaking of the subject person. For example, audio data 210 mayinclude archived speeches by the subject person, recorded audiomessages, songs, or readings by the subject person. Additionally, audiodata 210 may also include audio files of the subject person obtainedfrom video data 212.

Video data 212 can include one or more video files or recordings of thesubject person so that AI engine 102 may use video data 212 toaccurately mimic facial expressions, hand movements, body posture, andother physical mannerisms of the subject person. For example, video data212 may include short or long clips or movies of the subject person,including professional or home movies, as well as other video recordingsfrom security cameras or motion capture devices.

Image data 214 can include one or more image files or photographs of thesubject person so that AI engine 102 may use image data 214 toaccurately render and generate the physical characteristics of at leastthe face/head or the partial or full body of the subject person from avariety of different angles and perspectives. AI engine 102 may use CGIrendering module 112 to generate a three-dimensional representation ofthe subject person from the plurality of two-dimensional representationsof the subject person from image data 214. Additionally, image data 214may also include one or more frames of the subject person obtained fromvideo data 212.

Text data 216 can include one or more text files or data written, typed,or otherwise generated by the subject person. For example, text data 216may include letters, emails, text messages, books, presentations, socialmedia posts or comments, or any other format of text written orgenerated by the subject person.

In addition, audio data 210, video data 212, image data 214, and/or textdata 216 associated with the subject person stored in first datacollection 208 may include dates, time stamps, or other identifiers oftime that allow AI engine 102 to identify a time period or age range ofthe subject person when the associated data was generated. With thisarrangement, first data collection 208 can represent the collectedinformation or data associated with the subject person at a particularage or age range of their life so that the interactive digital avatargenerated by AI engine 102 can accurately reflect the subject person atthat particular age or age range.

As described herein, a subject person may include any person living ordeceased. Examples of a subject person include, but are not limited to:celebrities, politicians or elected officials, athletes, scholars,teachers or professors, authors, trainers, experts in various fields,family members, historical figures, private individuals, or any otherperson. With this arrangement, any subject person may have a collectionof data that allows AI engine 102 to generate an interactive digitalavatar for that person.

In some embodiments, system 100 may certify or authenticate an avatar ofa subject person to verify or confirm that the interactive digitalavatar of the subject person is approved or authorized by the subjectperson. For example, an interactive digital avatar according to theexample embodiment may include an indicia or certificate that asserts tousers of system 100 that the avatar is verified as an official avatarapproved by the subject person. With this arrangement, users can beassured of interacting with approved avatars of the subject person andimposter or fake avatars of the subject person may be avoided by users.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a detailed view of an example embodiment ofuser database 118 is shown. In some embodiments, system 100 may storeinformation or data associated with one or more users of system 100.That is, users may be any person that interacts with one or more of theinteractive digital avatars of a subject person generated by system 100.In an example embodiment, user database 118 may include a plurality ofuser files 300 that contain data sets associated with each user ofsystem 100. In this embodiment, plurality of user files 300 includes auser file for a first 302, a user file for a second user 304, and a userfile for a third user 306. It should be understood that user files forthree users (302, 304, 306) are shown in FIG. 3 for purposes ofillustration and user database 118 may include user files for any numberof users of system 100.

In this embodiment, a representative user file, for example, a firstdata set 308 for first user 302 is shown in detail. In an exampleembodiment, each data set included in the user files of plurality ofuser files 300 may include various types of data or informationassociated with a user of system 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 3,first data set 308 may include personalization data 310, account data312, and/or interaction data 314 associated with a user (e.g., firstuser 302).

Personalization data 310 can include various personal data orinformation associated with first user 302 so that AI engine 102 may usepersonalization data 310 to customize or personalize the interactionbetween a digital avatar and first user 302. For example,personalization data 310 may include the user's name, birthday, hair oreye color, names of family members, the user's preferences (e.g.,nicknames, topics of conversation, greeting types, favorite subjects,etc.), and other information that can be used by AI engine 102 topersonalize or customize interactions between the user and the digitalavatar of the subject person.

Account data 312 can include account identifiers, such as user names andpasswords or account numbers, billing and payment information for theuser, including payment types (e.g., credit cards or cryptocurrency),billing addresses, subscription or account plan information, etc. Forexample, system 100 may bill or charge users on a per transaction basis(i.e., for each interactive avatar session), on a time basis (e.g., on aper minute or other time increment basis), and/or may include varioustiers or membership plans that offer varying degrees or amounts ofaccess to digital avatars. In some cases, different avatars may havedifferent fees or rates. In other cases, system 100 may be free to usersand may generate revenue through advertising or other types ofsponsorships, including virtual endorsements by one or more of thedigital avatars of system 100.

Interaction data 314 can include various information and data associatedwith one or more interactive avatar sessions between the user and one ormore avatars of a subject person or subject persons. For example,interaction data 314 may include log files or other captured transcriptsof conversations between the user and the avatar, including dates,times, duration of the interaction, topics discussed, etc. Theinformation or data included in interaction data 314 may be used bysystem 100 for billing purposes as well as to improve thepersonalization or customization of the interaction between the user andthe digital avatar of the subject person. For example, information ordata included in interaction data 314 obtained from an interactivesession with a digital avatar (such as a user describing favorite colorsor foods, or referring to family members by name or relationship) may beadded to personalization data 310 in first data set 308 for first user302 to be used by AI engine 102 in subsequent interactive sessions witha digital avatar to provide personalized or customized interactions withthe user.

Plurality of user files 300 may include a similar user file for eachuser of the plurality of users of system 100 that is stored in userdatabase 118. For example, second user 304 may have a second data set316 and third user 306 may have a third data set 318 that include dataand information of a similar type and category as the data andinformation associated with first data set 308, but that is specific tothe individual user. That is, each user (first user 302, second user304, and third user 306) will have a unique data set in their user filestored in user database 118 that includes their own personalizationdata, account data, and interaction data. In this manner, user database118 may be used by AI engine 102 of system 100 to ensure that eachinteractive session between a user and a digital avatar of a subjectperson is a uniquely personalized and/or customized experience, evenwhen users are interacting with digital avatars of the same subjectperson. With this arrangement, because the interactive session uses theuser's own data set from their user file, no two interactive sessionswill be the same.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a representative view of an example embodimentof avatar interface 114 is shown. As described above, an interactivedigital avatar of a subject person may be rendered and generated by CGIrendering module 112 and is output for display through avatar interface114 to interact with one or more users. In this embodiment, avatarinterface 114 includes a display area 400 in which an interactivedigital avatar 402 is displayed. In an example embodiment, avatarinterface 114 may be configured as an application or software programthat executes instructions from AI engine 102 and CGI rendering module112 to output interactive digital avatar 402 in display area 400 ofavatar interface 114. In some embodiments, avatar interface 114 may bedisplayed on a display of a user interface of a user interacting withsystem 100, such as one or more of the user interfaces described belowin reference to FIG. 5.

In some embodiments, avatar interface 114 may embedded or integratedinto an existing application or software program to allow the existingapplication or software program to provide the functionality of aninteractive digital avatar in accordance with the techniques describedherein. In these embodiments, components of system 100 may be providedas a module that interacts with and is included in the existingapplication or software program to provide interactive digital avatarcapabilities to that existing application or software program. Forexample, an existing video calling, meeting, or presentation applicationor software program may incorporate the functionality of an interactivedigital avatar using system 100.

In some embodiments, avatar interface 114 may provide one or moredifferent types or forms of communication between interactive digitalavatar 402 and the user interacting with interactive digital avatar 402through avatar interface 114. In this embodiment, avatar interface 114includes one or more of text 404, audio 406, and video 408 options for auser to interact with interactive digital avatar 402. For example, auser may choose to engage with interactive digital avatar 402 via text404 by typing on a keyboard or touchscreen input, via audio 406 byspeaking into a microphone or other audio sensor to capture user'sspoken words or input, and/or via video 408 by using a video camera orother recording device to speak and interact with interactive digitalavatar 402.

In this embodiment, interactive digital avatar 402 shown in display area400 of avatar interface 114 is in the form of a head and/or face of asubject person. In other embodiments, interactive digital avatar 402 maytake other forms, including at least a partial or full body avatar ofthe subject person. For example, in some embodiments, interactivedigital avatar 402 may include a representation of a subject person fromthe waist up and include hands and arms so that interactive digitalavatar 402 may mimic or emulate hand movements or other body language ofthe subject person. In still other embodiments, interactive digitalavatar 402 may include a full body representation of a subject personthat mimics or emulates entire body movements or motions of the subjectperson, including, for example, walking gaits, dance moves, exerciseroutines, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an example embodiment of a user interface 500that allows a user to interact with system 100 is shown. In someembodiments, user interface 500 provides a mechanism that allows a userof system 100 to interact with or engage with an interactive digitalavatar of a subject person through avatar interface 114. For example,avatar interface 114 may be an application or software program that runsor executes on user interface 500 and receives data or commands from AIengine 102 of system 100 to control the actions of the interactivedigital avatar of the subject person through avatar interface 114.

In an example embodiment, user interface 500 may include at least oneprocessor 502 and a display 504. Display 504 may be used to display theinteractive digital avatar of the subject person through avatarinterface 114. User interface 500 may also include one or more speakers506 that are configured to output audio, including audio from theinteractive digital avatar of the subject person through avatarinterface 114. In some embodiments, user interface 500 may also includecomponents that allows a user to send or transmit audio and/or video tosystem 100, such as, for example, a camera 508 configured to capture orrecord video and/or image information from the user and a microphone 510configured to capture or record audio information from the user. In anexample embodiment, system 100 may use inputs from a user captured byone or more of camera 508 and/or microphone 510 of user interface 500 toinitiate an interactive session and/or during an interactive sessionwith an avatar. For example, camera 508 and/or microphone 510 of userinterface 500 may capture one or more of gestures, facial expressions,or body language of a user that may then be used by AI engine 102 ofsystem 100 to start an interactive session or as an input used todetermine potential responses by an interactive avatar to the user.

In some embodiments, user interface 500 may also include one or moreother input devices 512 and/or one or more other output devices 514. Insome embodiments, user interface 500 may also include an input and/oroutput to a voice assistant to allow a user to speak commands andinstructions via user interface 500 to interact with system 100 and/orone or more interactive avatars generated by system 100. For example, auser may speak “initiate interactive session” to the voice assistant torequest an interactive session with an interactive avatar of a subjectperson. With this arrangement, user interface 500 allows a user toengage in an interactive session with the interactive digital avatar ofthe subject person through avatar interface 114 in a manner thatsimulates a video and/or audio call with an actual person.

In different embodiments, user interface 500 may take any one or more ofa variety of different forms or devices. For example, as shown in FIG.5, user interface 500 may be embodied in a computer 520 on which theuser may engage with interactive digital avatar of the subject personthrough avatar interface 114. User interface 500 may also be embodied ina mobile device 522, such as a smartphone or tablet computer, on whichthe user may engage with interactive digital avatar of the subjectperson through avatar interface 114. In still another embodiment, userinterface 500 may be embodied in a virtual reality (VR) or augmentedreality (AR) headset 524 on which the user may engage with interactivedigital avatar of the subject person through avatar interface 114. Itshould be understood that the examples of user interface 500 shown inFIG. 5, including computer 520, mobile device 522, and/or VR/AR headset524 are not limiting and other devices or forms of user interface 500may be provided to interact with the interactive digital avatars ofsystem 100.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a flowchart of an example embodiment of amethod 600 for providing an interactive digitally rendered avatar of asubject person is illustrated. In some embodiments, method 600 may beimplemented by at least one processor of system 100, for example, one ormore of processors 104 of AI engine 102, described above, to provide theoperations of interactive digitally rendered avatar described herein.Method 600 describes one example implementation of providing aninteractive digitally rendered avatar of a subject person. It should beunderstood that other implementations may be provided, such as uponinitiation or request by a user of system 100, as well as other methods.

In this embodiment, method 600 may begin at an operation 602. Atoperation 602, video featuring a subject person may be transmitted to aplurality of users via a first communication format. For example, atoperation 602, a live or pre-recorded video of a subject person may bebroadcast or streamed to a plurality of users of system 100. Next,method 600 includes an operation 604. At operation 604, a request toinitiate an interactive session with an avatar of the subject person isreceived from at least one user of the plurality of users. For example,at operation 604, one of the users of the plurality of users receivingthe video featuring the subject person at operation 602 may choose toengage in an interactive session with an interactive digital avatar ofthe subject person by sending a request to system 100.

Upon receiving the request from at least one user at operation 604,method 600 may proceed to an operation 606. At operation 606, method 600includes engaging in the interactive session between the avatar of thesubject person and the at least one user via a second communicationformat. For example, at operation 606, system 100 may initiate aninteractive session between the user and the interactive digital avatar(e.g., interactive digital avatar 402) via a two-way communicationformat that allows the user and the interactive digital avatar to engagein a one-on-one conversation or interaction through avatar interface 114on user interface 500, described above.

Additionally, method 600 includes an operation 608. At operation 608,the interactive session between the avatar of the subject person and theat least one user is personalized to the at least one user. For example,as described above in reference to FIG. 3, the interaction between theuser and the interactive digital avatar (e.g., interactive digitalavatar 402) may be personalized or customized using information (e.g.,personalization data 310) from the data set in the user's user filestored in user database 118. With this arrangement, method 600 mayprovide a personalized and customized interactive session with a digitalavatar of a subject person that is unique to the user. Method 600 mayimplemented any number of times for any number of users to generateseparate interactive sessions for each user. Additionally, in somecases, method 600 may be implemented simultaneously or concurrently formultiple users of the plurality of users of system 100 so that each usermay experience an individual, one-on-one interactive session with thedigital avatar of the subject person. Method 600 may also be implementedin a manner so that two or more interactive sessions between differentusers are overlapping or at least partially occurring at the same time.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an example embodiment of a scenario 700 inwhich a plurality of users are engaging with an interactive digitallyrendered avatar of a subject person is shown. In this embodiment, asubject person 702, such as a celebrity or politician, is broadcastingor streaming a video to a plurality of users 704. In scenario 700,subject person 702 may be transmitting a pre-recorded video or may belive. For example, the video may be a panel discussion or talk, a movieor television program, a political rally, a sporting event, a concert,or any other live or recorded activity or event that is intended for anaudience.

In an example embodiment, subject person 702 has an associated datacollection stored in avatar database 116 of system 100 for aninteractive digital avatar of subject person 702. For example, the datacollection stored in avatar database 116 may include one or more ofaudio data, video data, image data, or text data associated with subjectperson 702 that allows AI engine 102 to generate an interactive digitalavatar of subject person 702, as described above.

In an example embodiment, each subject person (e.g., subject person 702in scenario 700) may have information or data gathered or collected forthe data collection stored in avatar database 116 associated with thesubject person's avatar in advance (i.e., before initiating aninteractive session with the subject person's avatar). For example, asdescribed above, a data collection and/or training process may beexecuted by AI engine 102 of system 100 to obtain, sort, analyze, andprocess the various data forming the data collection that is stored inavatar database 116 associated with the subject person's avatar.Additionally, AI engine 102 may also execute one or more trainingsessions using CGI rendering module 112 to generate a digitalrepresentation of the subject person for the subject person's avatar.These training sessions may be used to refine the interactive avatar ofthe subject person to accurately mimic or emulate the speech,mannerisms, and inflections of the subject person. In some embodiments,these training processes or sessions may be implemented usingmachine-learning techniques.

In this embodiment, subject person 702 in scenario 700 is shownbroadcasting or streaming a video to plurality of users 704, includingat least a first user 706, a second user 708, a third user 710, and afourth user 712 (e.g., as part of operation 602 of method 600, describedabove). According to the example embodiments, plurality of users 704 maybe located at different locations and may be using different devices(e.g., one or more types of user interfaces 500) to watch the videofeaturing subject person 702. In an example embodiment, when at leastone user of plurality of users 704 would like to interact with a digitalavatar of subject person 702 during the video, that user may send ortransmit a request to system 100 to initiate an interactive session withan avatar of subject person 702 (e.g., as part of operation 604 ofmethod 600, described above).

In this embodiment, first user 706 has made a request to start aninteractive session with a digital avatar of subject person 702. Inresponse, system 100 generates and renders a first interactive avatar716 through a first avatar interface 714 to allow first user 706 tointeract with first interactive avatar 716 of subject person 702. Incontrast to the video from subject person 702 to plurality of users 704(which may be a one-way communication, such as a broadcast or stream),the interactive session between first user 706 and first interactiveavatar 716 is a two-way communication that allows text, audio, and/orvideo to be transmitted and received in a bi-directional manner betweenfirst user 706 and first interactive avatar 716. For example, in oneembodiment, the two-way communication between first user 706 and firstinteractive avatar 716 may be provided through first avatar interface714 and at least one user interface 500 associated with first user 706.

Additionally, any of the other users of plurality of users 704 may alsoseparately, simultaneously, or concurrently request to start their owninteractive session with a digital avatar of subject person 702. Inresponse to each such request, system 100 may generate and renderadditional instances of interactive digital avatars of subject person702 to interact with each additional user making a request. For example,as shown in FIG. 7, third user 710 has also made a request to start aninteractive session with a digital avatar of subject person 702. Thisrequest may be made at the same time as the request by first user 706 ormay be made at a different time that is earlier or later than therequest by first user 706. In response, system 100 generates and rendersa second interactive avatar 720 through a second avatar interface 718 toallow third user 710 to interact with second interactive avatar 720 ofsubject person 702.

According to the example embodiments, each of first user 706 and thirduser 710 are engaging in an interactive session with a digital avatar ofthe same subject person (e.g., subject person 702), however, system 100provides each user with their own instance of an interactive digitalavatar (e.g., first interactive avatar 716 for first user 706 and secondinteractive avatar 720 for third user 710). With this arrangement, eachuser may have a personalized and customized interactive session withtheir specific instances of the digital avatar of subject person 702.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a detailed view of an example embodiment of aninteraction between a user and an interactive digitally rendered avatarof a subject person is shown. In this embodiment, a representativeinteractive session 800 between first user 706 and first interactiveavatar 716 of subject person 702 is shown. In an example embodiment,communication during interactive session 800 between first interactiveavatar 716 and first user 706 may be made through first avatar interface714 which may be provided on at least one type of user interface 500associated with first user 706. In this embodiment, first avatarinterface 714 includes one or more of text 802, audio 804, and video 806options for first user 706 to interact with first interactive avatar716.

For example, as described above, first user 706 may engage with firstinteractive avatar 716 via text 802 by typing on a keyboard ortouchscreen input associated with user interface 500, via audio 804 byspeaking into a microphone or other audio sensor associated with userinterface 500 to capture spoken words or input by first user 706, and/orvia video 806 by using a video camera or other recording deviceassociated with user interface 500 to allow first user 706 to speak andinteract with first interactive avatar 716 during interactive session800.

In various embodiments, interactive session 800 between first user 706and first interactive avatar 716 of subject person 702 may include anydiscussion of topics or interests that first user 706 would like todiscuss. For example, in this embodiment of interactive session 800,first user 706 has asked first interactive avatar 716 “What is yourfavorite color?” to which first interactive avatar 716 has responded “Myfavorite color is purple.” The information or data used to generate theresponses by first interactive avatar 716 during interactive session maybe obtained from the data collection associated with the avatar storedin avatar database 116, described above. For example, the datacollection may include at least one instance of text, audio, video, orimage data where subject person 702 has stated that her favorite coloris purple. Accordingly, system 100 may retrieve this information fromavatar database 116 in order to allow first interactive avatar 716 ofsubject person 702 to answer the question from first user 706.

Interactive sessions may further include other representative topics.For example, in this embodiment of interactive session 800, subjectperson 702 is an actress and first user 706 has asked first interactiveavatar 716 “Which movie was your favorite to work on?” to which firstinteractive avatar 716 has responded “All of them were fun, but myfavorite was Avatar.”

Additionally, as described above, in some embodiments, the interactivesession between a user and the interactive digital avatar may bepersonalized or customized for the particular user, for example, usingpersonalization data 310 stored in user database 118, described above.In this embodiment of interactive session 800, first user 706 has askedfirst interactive avatar 716 “Can you say ‘Hi’ to my mom, she's a bigfan?” to which first interactive avatar 716 has responded “Hi, ‘User 1'sMom!’ Thanks for your support”.

In an example embodiment, system 100 may use personalization data 310stored in user database 118 for first user 706 to replace “User 1's Mom”in the response provided by first interactive avatar 716 with the actualname of first user 706's mom. In this case, the response by firstinteractive avatar 716 would appear to first user 706 as “Hi, Nancy!Thanks for your support” (i.e., where “Nancy” is the name of first user706's mom obtained by system 100 from personalization data 310). Withthis arrangement, first user 706 may experience a uniquely personalizedand customized interactive session 800 with first interactive avatar 716of subject person 702.

In some embodiments, system 100 may use personalization data 310 offirst user 706 to suggest calling or sending a message to a third personassociated with first user 706 (e.g., a family member, friend,colleague, coworker, etc.) using first interactive avatar 716. Forexample, a friend of first user 706 may be a big fan of subject person702 (e.g., which may be known from personalization data 310 of firstuser 706 stored in user database 118) and would be excited to becontacted by first interactive avatar 716 of subject person 702 to wishthem a Happy Birthday or to receive some other type of personalizedmessage or call. In addition, such third party interactions may help addadditional users to system 100.

In other embodiments, an interactive session between a user and aninteractive digital avatar of a subject person may be limited to apredetermined number of topics or responses. For example, system 100 mayprepare and save in avatar database 116 for each avatar, a menu or listof potential questions and their associated responses that may be usedduring an interactive session with a subject person's avatar. Thepredetermined topics or responses may be obtained by processing andanalyzing the data collection associated with the subject person and/ormay be prepared in advance by the subject person.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a representative view of an example embodimentof multiple users interacting with multiple interactive digitallyrendered avatars of a subject person is shown. In this embodiment, ascenario 900 in which a plurality of users 902 are engaging with aplurality of interactive digitally rendered avatars 912 of a subjectperson 922 is shown. In this embodiment, each user of plurality of users902, including a first user 904, a second user 906, a third user 908,and a fourth user 910 is engaging in an interactive session with theirown unique instance of an interactive digitally rendered avatar ofsubject person 922. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, first user 904 isengaging in an interactive session with a first interactive avatar 914,second user 906 is engaging in an interactive session with a secondinteractive avatar 916, third user 908 is engaging in an interactivesession with a third interactive avatar 918, and fourth user 910 isengaging in an interactive session with a fourth interactive avatar 920.

In this embodiment, each interactive avatar of plurality of interactivedigitally rendered avatars 912 (e.g., first interactive avatar 914,second interactive avatar 916, third interactive avatar 918, and fourthinteractive avatar 920) are representations of the same subject person,subject person 922 in this case. However, because each user of pluralityof users 902 will ask different questions and otherwise engage withtheir own instance of the interactive digitally rendered avatar ofsubject person 922 in a different manner, each of the interactivesessions will be unique from each other.

In some embodiments, information associated with one or more interactivesessions between an interactive digital avatar of a subject person andone or more users (e.g., between plurality of interactive digitallyrendered avatars 912 and plurality of users 902) may be obtained forstorage and/or monitoring by system 100. For example, a summary oftopics discussed, questions asked by users, answers given by interactivedigital avatars, as well as information about session duration and/orconnection quality may be provided back to system 100 for furtheranalysis and storage, including, in some embodiments, stored asinteraction data 314 in the associated user file of the user in userdatabase 118, as described above.

In some embodiments, the actual subject person (e.g., subject person922) may also be monitoring the one or more interactive sessions betweenthe subject person's interactive digital avatar and one or more users(e.g., between plurality of interactive digitally rendered avatars 912and plurality of users 902). For example, this may allow the subjectperson to determine what topics of conversation or other interests arebeing discussed with the interactive avatars. In addition, in someembodiments, a user may ask a question to the interactive digital avatarof the subject person for which a response is not known or not availablebased on the information in the data collection in avatar database 116.By monitoring the interactive sessions, the actual subject person may bealerted to such a question and may be able to provide a response.

In an example embodiment, system 100 allows a live subject person, suchas subject person 922 in scenario 900, to enter or cut into an existinginteractive session between the subject person's interactive digitalavatar and a user. The live subject person may then engage directly withthe user in a live session between the live subject person and the user.For example, as shown in FIG. 9, during an interactive session betweenthird user 908 and third interactive avatar 918, live subject person 922may enter or cut into the interactive session to establish a livesession 924 directly between third user 908 and live subject person 922.With this arrangement, if third user 908 has brought up a topic that isinteresting to subject person 922 monitoring the interactive sessionbetween third user 908 and third interactive avatar 918, subject person922 may directly engage with third user 908 in live session 924 tofurther explore the topic or otherwise interact with third user 908 inreal time.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a scenario 1000 of an example embodiment of auser 1014 interacting with an interactive digitally rendered avatar of asubject person featured in a video 1002 is shown. In this embodiment,user 1014 is watching video 1002 featuring a subject person. Accordingto the techniques of the example embodiments described herein, at anytime during scenario 1000, user 1014 may request to start an interactivesession with an interactive digitally rendered avatar of the subjectperson featured in video 1002. For example, at a first time 1004 invideo 1002 (e.g., at the 35 second mark of video 1002), user 1014 maystart an interactive session with an interactive avatar 1016 of thesubject person shown in video 1002 (i.e., shown at first time 1004, the35 second mark, when user 1014 makes the request).

In this embodiment, user 1014 may continue to interact with interactiveavatar 1016 during the interactive session for a period of time. Forexample, in scenario 1000 shown in FIG. 10, the interactive sessionbetween user 1014 and interactive avatar 1016 may last for a firstperiod of time 1018 (e.g., 40 seconds). When the interactive sessionbetween user 1014 and interactive avatar 1016 ends after first period oftime 1018, user 1014 may rejoin or continue with video 1002 at thecorresponding time, such as a third time 1008 (e.g., at the 1 minute, 15second mark) that has progressed from when user 1014 started theinteractive session with interactive avatar 1016 (i.e., 40 seconds afterfirst time 1004, the 35 second mark). The user 1014 may then continuewith the remainder of video 1002.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, when the interactive session betweenuser 1014 and interactive avatar 1016 ends after first period of time1018, user 1014 may return to video 1002 at the next time after theinteractive session began. For example, in this embodiment, user 1014may return to video 1002 at a second time 1006 (e.g., the 36 secondmark) that is directly after first time 1004 (e.g., the 35 second mark)when user 1014 made the request. With this arrangement, user 1014 mayreturn back to the point in time of video 1002 from when the interactivesession began.

It should be understood that user 1014 may engage in one or moresubsequent interactive sessions with interactive avatar 1016 at otherpoints of time in video 1002, including, but not limited to second time1006, third time 1008, a fourth time 1010, and/or a fifth time 1012.After each interactive session with interactive avatar 1016, user 1014may choose to return to the departure time in video 1002 or may rejoinvideo at a time that corresponds to the amount of real time that hasprogressed during each interactive session (e.g., first period of time1018, shown in FIG. 10).

Referring now to FIG. 11, a scenario 1100 of an example embodiment ofusers interacting with multiple interactive digitally rendered avatarsof different subject people during a video 1102 is shown. In someembodiments, a video, such as video 1102, may include multiple subjectpersons, each of which has an associated interactive digital avatarstored in avatar database 116. As shown in scenario 1100 of FIG. 11,video 1102 may include at least two different subject persons, subjectperson A and subject person B. It should be understood, however, that avideo may include any number of subject persons who may have anassociated interactive digital avatar in accordance with the exampleembodiments described herein. For example, the video may be a movie withdozens or more actors and actresses, a sporting event with manydifferent athletes, a panel discussion or presentation with manydifferent speakers or presenters, or any other type of live orprerecorded video with multiple subject persons.

In an example embodiment, during video 1102, one or more users mayrequest to engage in an interactive session with an interactive digitalavatar of subject person A, subject person B, or both. For example, inthis embodiment, video 1102 at various times will feature or depict oneor both of subject person A and subject person B. As shown in scenario1100, subject person A is shown at a first time 1104 of video 1102, aswell as at a second time 1106, and a fifth time 1112. Subject person B,who is a different subject person than subject person A, is shown at athird time 1108 and a fourth time 1110 of video 1102. It should beunderstood that additional subject persons may also be shown at varioustimes of video 1102.

According to the techniques of the example embodiments described herein,a user of system 100 may request to initiate an interactive session withan interactive digital avatar of the subject person shown at anycorresponding time during video 1102. For example, in scenario 1100, afirst user 1114 is shown engaging in an interactive session with a firstinteractive avatar 1116 of subject person A by making the request duringfirst time 1104 of video 1002 (i.e., when subject person A is featuredor depicted). Meanwhile, a second user 1118 in scenario 1100 is alsoshown engaging in an interactive session with a second interactiveavatar 1120 of subject person B by making the request during third time1108 of video 1002 (i.e., when subject person B is featured ordepicted). With this arrangement, two different users (e.g., first user1114 and second user 1118) watching the same video (e.g., video 1102)may interact with different interactive digital avatars (e.g., firstinteractive avatar 1116 and second interactive avatar 1120) fordifferent subject persons (e.g., subject person A and subject person B).

In the example embodiments described above, the interactive digitalavatar was of a subject person that is a celebrity or other notableperson. In some embodiments, system 100 and the associated methoddescribed herein may also be used to provide an interactive digitalavatar of other types of subject persons or for other scenarios. Forexample, the techniques described herein may be used for any type ofgroup presentations or other situations, including, but not limited tolectures, work or business presentations, school lessons, political townhall meetings, exercise or training classes, or other scenariosinvolving one or more subject persons interacting with a plurality ofpeople through video (including broadcast, live streaming, pre-recorded,etc.). In these embodiments, the techniques described herein may be usedto provide an interactive digital avatar of the subject person orsubject persons to allow the plurality of people to individuallyinteract with the interactive digital avatar in their own personalizedinteractive sessions.

FIGS. 12 through 14 below illustrate an alternate embodiment of usingsystem 100 to provide an interactive digital avatar of a subject personin a group presentation or similar situation. Referring now to FIG. 12,a scenario 1200 of a subject person 1202 providing a group presentationto a plurality of users 1204 is shown. In this embodiment, scenario 1200may be a lecture or lesson given by subject person 1202, who may be aprofessor or teacher, to plurality of users 1204, who may be students orpupils of subject person 1202.

In an example embodiment of scenario 1200, the lecture or lesson bysubject person 1202 may be provided via a first communication format,such as a live or pre-recorded video that is broadcast or streamed toeach user of plurality of users 1204, including a first user 1206, asecond user 1208, a third user 1210, a fourth user 1212, and/or a fifthuser 1214. As described above, at any time during the lecture or lessonby subject person 1202, one or more users of plurality of users 1204 maysend or transmit a request to system 100 to initiate an interactivesession with an avatar of subject person 1202 (e.g., as part ofoperation 604 of method 600, described above).

In some embodiments, system 100 may use input from user interface 500,such as one or more of gestures, facial expressions, or body language ofa user captured by camera 508 and/or microphone 510 of user interface500. For example, system 100 may use this input to analyze facialexpressions of a user to determine that the user looks confused ordistracted. In another example, system 100 may use the input to detectother types of gestures or actions, such as a user raising a hand ormaking other motions.

Referring now to FIG. 13, scenario 1200 is shown including aninteractive digitally rendered avatar 1302 of subject person 1202interacting with a first user 1206. In an example embodiment, subjectperson 1202 has an associated data collection stored in avatar database116 of system 100 for an interactive digital avatar of subject person1202. For example, the data collection stored in avatar database 116 mayinclude one or more of audio data, video data, image data, or text dataassociated with subject person 1202 that allows AI engine 102 togenerate an interactive digital avatar of subject person 1202, asdescribed above. In scenario 1200, subject person 1202 is a teacher orprofessor and the data collection stored in avatar database 116 mayinclude previous recorded lectures or lessons, as well as books, papers,presentations, etc. by subject person 1202.

According to the example embodiments, plurality of users 1204 may belocated at different locations and may be using different devices (e.g.,one or more types of user interfaces 500) to watch the video featuringsubject person 1202. In an example embodiment, when at least one user ofplurality of users 1204 would like to interact with a digital avatar ofsubject person 1202 during the video, that user may send or transmit arequest to system 100 to initiate an interactive session with an avatarof subject person 1202 (e.g., as part of operation 604 of method 600,described above).

In this embodiment, first user 1206 has made a request to start aninteractive session with a digital avatar of subject person 1202. Insome embodiments, first user 1206 may initiate the interactive sessionthrough their user interface (e.g., one of user interfaces 500,described above) or system 100 may detect facial expressions or gesturesmade by first user 1206 that indicate that first user 1206 would like toinitiate an interactive session. For example, in this embodiment, firstuser 1206 has raised his hand, which gesture or motion may be detectedby system 100 using camera 508 of user interface 500, to request tostart the interactive session with a digital avatar of subject person1202.

In response, system 100 generates and renders interactive avatar 1302through an avatar interface 1300 to allow first user 1206 to interactwith interactive avatar 1302 of subject person 1202. In contrast to thevideo from subject person 1202 to plurality of users 1204 (which may bea one-way communication, such as a broadcast or stream), the interactivesession between first user 1206 and interactive avatar 1302 is a two-waycommunication that allows text, audio, and/or video to be transmittedand received in a bi-directional manner between first user 1206 andinteractive avatar 1302. For example, in one embodiment, the two-waycommunication between first user 1206 and interactive avatar 1302 may beprovided through avatar interface 1300 and at least one user interface500 associated with first user 1206 (e.g., a laptop computer in scenario1200).

Additionally, any of the other users of plurality of users 1204 may alsoseparately, simultaneously, or concurrently request to start their owninteractive session with a digital avatar of subject person 1202. Inresponse to each such request, system 100 may generate and renderadditional instances of interactive digital avatars of subject person1202 to interact with each additional user making a request, asdescribed above in reference to the example embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a detailed view of an example embodiment of aninteraction between a user and an interactive digitally rendered avatarof a subject person is shown. In this embodiment, a representativeinteractive session 1400 between first user 1206 and interactive avatar1302 of subject person 1202 is shown. In an example embodiment,communication during interactive session 1400 between interactive avatar1302 and first user 1206 may be made through avatar interface 1300 whichmay be provided on at least one type of user interface 500 associatedwith first user 1206. In this embodiment, avatar interface 1300 includesone or more of text 1402, audio 1404, and video 1406 options for firstuser 1206 to interact with interactive avatar 1302.

For example, first user 1206 may engage with interactive avatar 1302 viatext 1402 by typing on a keyboard or touchscreen input associated withuser interface 500, via audio 1404 by speaking into a microphone orother audio sensor associated with user interface 500 to capture spokenwords or input by first user 1206, and/or via video 1406 by using avideo camera or other recording device associated with user interface500 to allow first user 1206 to speak and interact with interactiveavatar 1302 during interactive session 1400.

In various embodiments, interactive session 1400 between first user 1206and interactive avatar 1302 of subject person 1202 may include anydiscussion of topics or interests that first user 1206 would like todiscuss. For example, in this embodiment of interactive session 1400,first user 1206 may interact with interactive avatar 1302 of subjectperson 1202 to ask questions about the lecture or lesson provided bysubject person 1202 on the video. As shown in FIG. 14, first user 1206has asked interactive avatar 1302 “Can you go over Problem 2?” to whichinteractive avatar 1302 (e.g., “Teacher Avatar” response in FIG. 14) hasresponded “Sure, Problem 2 is about Exponentials. Have you studiedExponentials before?” That is, the potential responses or interactionsby interactive avatar 1302 with first user 1206 may be shaped or basedon an ascertained skill level of first user 1206. In some embodiments,the skill level of first user 1206 may also be stored in the user filefor first user 1206 stored in user database 118. For example, the userfile may include the student's history, test results, grades, indicateprevious classes attended, grades for other courses, etc. so thatinteractive avatar 1302 may determine the skill level of first user 1206and base its responses on the skill level of first user 1206.

In this embodiment, first user 1206 responds “No” and, based on thisresponse, interactive avatar 1302 responds “Okay, then let's start withthe basics on page 76 of the textbook . . . .” That is, in this exampleof interactive session 1400, interactive avatar 1302 has determined theskill level of first user 1206 (e.g., based on the response to thequestion of whether first user 1206 had studied exponentials before) andhas shaped or based its response (e.g., “then let's start with thebasics on page 76 of the textbook”) on the ascertained skill level inorder to personalize or customize interactive session 1400 to theparticular situation of first user 1206.

As described in previous embodiments, the information or data used togenerate the responses by interactive avatar 1302 during interactivesession 1400 may be obtained from the data collection associated withthe avatar stored in avatar database 116, described above. For example,the data collection may include at least one instance of text, audio,video, or image data where subject person 1202 has previously taught orgiven assistance with the subject of exponentials. Accordingly, system100 may retrieve this information from avatar database 116 in order toallow interactive avatar 1302 of subject person 1202 to answer questionsand provide help to first user 1206.

Additionally, as described above, in some embodiments, the topics,responses, and other information provided during interactive session1400 between first user 1206 and interactive avatar 1302 of subjectperson 1202 may be stored in the user file for first user 1206 (e.g., asinteraction data 314) and may also be provided back to subject person1202. For example, subject person 1202 may use the information about oneor more interactions between plurality of users 1204 and interactiveavatars to identify users that need further assistance with certaintopics or to identify areas of the lecture or lesson that are difficultfor many users of plurality of users 1204 to understand. That is, bymonitoring or analyzing the interactions between plurality of users 1204and interactive avatars, subject person 1202 may use this feedback tomodify or improve her lecture or lesson.

While various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restrictedexcept in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also,various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of theattached claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of providing an interactivedigital avatar of a subject person during a video presentation, themethod comprising: transmitting a video presentation featuring a subjectperson to a plurality of users via a first communication format;receiving from a user interface of at least one user of the plurality ofusers during the video presentation, a request to initiate aninteractive session with an avatar of the subject person; whereinreceiving the request during the video presentation comprises, prior toinitiating the interactive session, capturing an input made by the atleast one user during the video presentation through the user interfacethat indicates that the at least one user would like to initiate theinteractive session; in response to the request from the at least oneuser, (1) generating a first avatar of the subject person thatphysically resembles the subject person, and (2) initiating a firstinteractive session between the first avatar and the at least one user;and engaging in the first interactive session between the first avatarof the subject person and the at least one user through the userinterface via a second communication format that is different than thefirst communication format.
 2. The method according to claim 1, whereinthe user interface includes at least a display and a plurality of inputdevices.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the input devicesinclude a camera, a microphone, a keyboard, and/or a touchscreen.
 4. Themethod according to claim 2, wherein the input to initiate theinteractive session made by the at least one user during the videopresentation through the user interface is captured by at least oneinput device of the plurality of input devices.
 5. The method accordingto claim 4, wherein the at least one input device is a camera; andwherein the input to initiate the interactive session made by the atleast one user during the video presentation through the user interfaceis a gesture captured by the camera.
 6. The method according to claim 5,wherein the gesture is associated with a hand of the at least one user.7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the gesture is associatedwith a face of the at least one user.
 8. The method according to claim5, wherein the gesture is associated with a body of the at least oneuser.
 9. The method according to claim 4, wherein the at least one inputdevice is a microphone; and wherein the input to initiate theinteractive session made by the at least one user during the videopresentation through the user interface is a spoken command to initiatethe interactive session captured by the microphone.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein the microphone is associated with a voiceassistant in communication with the user interface.
 11. A method ofproviding an interactive digital avatar of a subject person during agroup presentation to a plurality of users, the method comprising:transmitting a video of the group presentation featuring the subjectperson to the plurality of users via a first communication format;receiving from at least one user of the plurality of users during thegroup presentation, a request to initiate an interactive session with anavatar of the subject person made by the at least one user through auser interface; wherein receiving the request during the grouppresentation comprises, prior to initiating the interactive session,recognizing one of a gesture, a facial expression, or body language madeby the at least one user through the user interface during the grouppresentation that indicates that the at least one user would like toinitiate the interactive session; in response to the request from the atleast one user, (1) generating a first avatar of the subject person thatphysically resembles the subject person, and (2) initiating a firstinteractive session between the first avatar and the at least one userthrough the user interface; and engaging in the first interactivesession between the first avatar of the subject person and the at leastone user through the user interface via a second communication formatthat is different than the first communication format.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 11, wherein, when the request to initiate theinteractive session includes recognizing a gesture, the gesture includesa motion associated with a hand of the at least one user; or wherein,when the request to initiate the interactive session includesrecognizing a facial expression, the facial expression is analyzed todetermine that the at least one user looks confused or distracted. 13.The method according to claim 11, wherein the video is a live video ofthe group presentation.
 14. The method according to claim 11, whereinthe video is a pre-recorded video of the group presentation.
 15. Themethod according to claim 11, wherein the subject person has anassociated data collection stored in an avatar database for generatingthe first avatar of the subject person, the data collection includingone of more of previous recorded lectures or lessons, books, papers, orpresentations by the subject person.
 16. The method according to claim11, wherein at least two users of the plurality of users are located atdifferent locations.
 17. The method according to claim 11, furthercomprising: receiving, during the group presentation, a request toinitiate an interactive session with an avatar of the subject personfrom a second user of the plurality of users, the second user beingdifferent than the at least one user engaging in the first interactivesession with the first avatar of the subject person; and in response tothe request from the second user, (1) generating a second avatar of thesubject person that physically resembles the subject person, and (2)initiating a second interactive session between the second avatar andthe second user through a user interface of the second user via thesecond communication format, wherein the second avatar is different fromthe first avatar and wherein the second avatar and the first avatarrepresent the same subject person.
 18. The method according to claim 11,wherein interactions by the first avatar of the subject person with theat least one user during the first interactive session are based on anascertained skill level of the at least one user.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 18, wherein the ascertained skill level of the atleast one user is stored in a user file associated with the at least oneuser.
 20. The method according to claim 11, wherein informationassociated with the first interactive session between the first avatarand the at least one user is provided to the subject person uponcompletion of the first interactive session.